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Concept information

stellar astronomy > stellar type > variable star

Preferred term

variable star  

Definition(s)

  • A variable star is a star that changes in brightness. Variable stars fall into two general categories: intrinsic variables, in which physical changes, such as pulsations or eruptions, are involved, and extrinsic variables, in which the light output fluctuates due to eclipses or stellar rotation. Further classification is complex; originally it was based on a star's light curve, amplitude, and periodicity (or lack of it), but is now more closely linked to the physical processes underlying the variability. The standard reference for classification is the General Catalogue of Variable Stars. Specific types of variable star are often named after a prototype. Additionally, a star may belong to more than one category of variable. (Encyclopedia of Science, by David Darling, https://www.daviddarling.info/encyclopedia/V/variablestar.html)

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URI

http://data.loterre.fr/ark:/67375/MDL-HJ5S1SWZ-8

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